The aim of the project is to use the key palaeoecological data combined with modeling and remote sensing approaches for investigating the long-term trends of the Arctic tree-line in northern Europe (Fennoscandia and Russia). Special weight is given to reconstructing the Holocene shifts of the northern margin of the Boreal conifer forest, associated changes in the biomass of the conifer forest and the tundra, and the resulting changes of the Arctic albedo. The project aims to use novel approaches for estimating vegetation cover (also in terms of biomass) and to integrate the data with dynamic vegetation modeling to explore the biomass and carbon dynamics that are linked to the treeline changes. The project is strongly connected to other on-going international programs and collaboration.

Terms of employment: The maximum duration of the contract will be 3 years, depending on the date the post-doc will start. The starting monthly salary will be 3 100–3 200 E. The position is a full-time research position, including some commitment for teaching or departmental responsibilities.

Qualifications: The candidate is expected to have a PhD or equal in earth sciences (geology, geography) or relevant biological or ecological sciences. The candidate is expected to have a good idea of the main methods, issues, and concepts of palaeoecology and ecology or plant geography and basic skills of computing, including basic GIS techniques and ability or potential to learn to use the dynamic vegetation models and basic C++ programming. The candidate must be motivated, committed and internationally oriented. The project will include fieldwork in the treeline region of northern Europe.
Fellowship Application Deadline: Jan 25, 2011 at 3:45 PM
Further Fellowship Information and Application